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Sussex Police

Special Constables

We are currently closed for applications.

You already have a career you love - now you want a different challenge in your spare time. If you can commit to at least 16 hours a month, bring integrity and common sense to everything you do and stay calm under pressure, we want to hear from you.

As volunteer Police Officers, Special Constables have full police powers, uniform and equipment and work alongside full-time Police Officers and PCSOs to help protect and serve the people of Sussex.

Volunteers for the Special Constabulary come from all walks of life. You may be at home, bringing up a family, or employed in any one of a wide variety of jobs. The diversity and varied experiences of the Special Constabulary helps the police service to represent the communities they serve.

Thinking of applying?

You will be trained to use the same powers as full-time police constables - there will be a lot for you to learn. Once successful in your application you will complete a part time pre-join course run over 10 alternate weeks, then an initial course run over six weekends. After this you will continue your probation with the Professional Development Unit where you will be expected to commit at least 16 hours a month for the rest of your service.

During your service you will deal with a varied range of incidents. There will be times when you will experience confrontation; you will arrest suspects and attend often distressing events, but it won't be all blue lights and car chases.

You will be there for people in times of need, there will be occasions when you don't finish your shift on time and when it feels like all you do is complete paperwork. But if you have the drive to make a difference in your community you will get a great deal out of working alongside full-time officers to make Sussex safer.

Are you eligible to apply?

If you are over 18, have lived in the UK for three continuous years immediately prior to application, you (or your immediate family) are not a member of any extremist group, do not have tattoos which could cause offence, do not have more than six penalty points on your driving licence (a driving licence is not required), have not had two or more motoring offences within three years prior to application, and are physically and medically fit, then yes you can apply.

Should you go for it?

Are you an honest, respectful and selfless person who wants to do something important in their spare time? Do you have the experience needed to remain calm under pressure, to be there in a stranger's time of need? Are you prepared to protect others on or off duty? And are you prepared for how time-consuming this volunteer role will be?